Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
Phys.Org: Regenerative agriculture highlighted as a transformative approach to ecological farming and soil recovery
By Sadie Harley
08/21/2025
A new critical review, published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, highlights the emergence and scientific basis of regenerative agriculture—proposing a working definition centered on ecological cycles and farm system outcomes.
The Guardian: Down and dirty: how regenerative farming is digging into microscopic soil life
By Ben Martynoga
08/29/2025
Padwick, the farm manager at Wild Ken Hill since 2018, is part of a growing movement of farmers taking a deep interest in the microscopic life forms upon which their livelihoods depend. Under this approach to regenerative farming, nurturing diverse soil communities – from bacteria and fungi to microscopic animals and worms – is seen as an essential prerequisite for growing healthy foods with minimal or no use of agrochemicals or soil-damaging machinery.
USDA: USDA Announces Forest Health Resilience Projects to Improve Timber Production
09/03/2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $8 million for five new projects to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality, and improve forest health across the nation. This expands President Trump’s mission to improve the lives of American families, support rural communities, and expand domestic timber production.
Politico: What’s next for the farm bill?
By Grace Yarrow
09/03/2025
As lawmakers return to Washington this week, they’re facing dwindling time to pull together a “skinny” farm bill at the urging of farmers and powerful agriculture groups before the end of the year.
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Yahoo News: Iroquois farmer Fran Fritz named Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year
By Erik Kaufman | South Dakota | Northern Plains Region
08/21/25
In addition, she involved herself heavily in public service, working with the Belle Prairie Township Board as clerk, the Beadle County Conservation District as well as the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, for which she served as the first woman president.
Preserving Heritage and Nature: The Timeless Saga of Honey Creek Spring Ranch
In the heart of Comal County, Texas, lies a hidden gem known as Honey Creek Spring Ranch. Its rich history spans generations, with the fifth-generation landowners, Joyce Moore and her sister Cindy Martinez, as the current stewards of this historic property. Joyce’s son, Josh, is already playing a pivotal role on the ranch as well, ready to become the sixth generation to manage these lands.
American Farm Publications: Wetlands working for N.J. farmers, waterfowl (Wildlife Matters)
By Ben Langey | New Jersey | Northeast Region
09/01/2025
When most folks picture a wetland, they think of ducks paddling on a shallow pond, frogs calling from the cattails, and maybe a red-winged blackbird perched on a bulrush stem. What they might not picture, at least not right away, are soybeans, cornfields, and pastures. But here in New Jersey, wetlands and agriculture have always been connected.
The Foster County Independent: Turning unproductive alkali patches into thriving hay fields
Carrington, ND | Northern Plains Region
09/01/2025
Murphy’s method provides a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to battling soil salinity, and his success has not gone unnoticed. The Foster County Soil Conservation District has recognized his efforts and hopes other farmers will follow his example.
Mahoning Matters: Trump administration cancels nearly half a billion dollars for California offshore wind project
By Paul Rogers | California | Pacific Region
09/02/2025
“News like this is not fun,” said Chris Mikkelsen, executive director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District, which is planning the project. “But with it comes opportunity. The state hasn’t changed its goals. Why would we? We are going to double down. Our resolve is stronger than before.”
Northern Ag Network: Woody Invasive Species and a Call to Help Montana’s Working Lands and Waterways
Montana | North Central Region
09/03/2025
Within two years, the area was as overgrown as before. We regrouped. With the help of the Yellowstone Conservation District, we took a new approach. We rented—and later purchased—a tree shear that we mounted on our skid steer. This allowed us to cut the trees at their base without disturbing the soil. Paired with targeted herbicide treatment, we finally began to see progress.